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Rehabbing Pelfrey gearing for Saturday return to Twins

Rehabbing Pelfrey gearing for Saturday return to Twins

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Pelfrey's seven strikeouts 1:03

6/12/13: Mike Pelfrey strikes out seven over seven innings of three-run ball against the Phillies

By Rhett Bollinger and Kelly Erickson
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MLB.com |

MINNEAPOLIS -- Right-hander Mike Pelfrey made a rehab start with Class A Cedar Rapids on Monday night, and if all continues to go well he's on track to make his return with the Twins on Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Pelfrey, on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 19 with a strained back, took the mound for the Kernels against Peoria. He gave up two runs on just two hits over six innings with six strikeouts and no walks. He also threw 70 pitches and reported no health issues after his outing.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said before the game that if everything goes to plan, Pelfrey's next start will be with the Twins.

"He's fine with his back," Gardenhire said. "Saturday is when he'll be here. He's eligible to come off on the Fourth but that's [Kyle] Gibson's start, so I don't think we're going to do that, and Friday is [Kevin] Correia's start, so we're not going to do that one. So Saturday."

Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, and follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger. Kelly Erickson is an associate reporter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.